Proyecto Europeo "PROBIOLIVES"

  Table olive fermentation with selected strains of probiotic lactic acid bacteria. Towards a new functional food.

FP7-SME-2008-2; Contrat number: 243471

Project Coordinator: Dr. Crysoula Tassou

A project supported by the European Commission through the FP7: Research for SME Associations

Duration: 3 years (1/3/2010 – 28/2/2013)

Project summary

The concept of this project is to provide to the SME Associations and their members SMEs with tools to increase their technological level, competitiveness and profits by the production of olives, fermented with probiotic bacteria , preferably isolated among the lactic acid bacteria colonizing the olive surface or its interior. Lactic acid bacteria bacteria from the olive microflora are the dominant microorganisms in natural fermentations and there will be studied if some of them possess probiotic properties. The selected probiotic bacteria will be introduced into the brines at the onset of fermentation, to act as starters , to be able to dominate and ensure a proper fermentation inhibiting the growth and survival of undesirable microorganisms. The goal is the production of a functional product, containing probiotic bacteria in adequate amounts to improve consumer's health , without altering the quality characteristics of fermented olives. Consumer acceptance studies will be essential for the exploitation and the introduction of the new food into the EU and international market. At the same time a better control of the fermentation process, early detection of faulty fermentation and spoilage and assessment of the time needed for fermentation completion will be achieved by monitoring the quality indices (e.g. volatiles) throughout the process with the use of advanced and emerging instruments ( electronic nose ) and tools ( mathematical models ).

More information: http://www.probiolives.eu/

IG-CSIC participant team:

Dr. Antonio Garrido Fernández

Dr. Pedro García García

Dr Rufino Jiménez Díaz

Dr. Antonio López López

Dr. Francisco Noé Arroyo López

Ldo. Joaquín Bautista Gallego

Verónica Moreno Gil